Blog

Nov 27

Tips for Healthy Eating During the Holidays

In my last article, I talked about how to avoid the holiday dieting yo-yo by always having a plan. Some people asked, “How do I make a plan, especially through the holidays?” In the US, the holidays are not just in November and December anymore – there is always a holiday or celebration just around the corner.In order to keep your weight and health goals in check, it is important to be consistent when it comes to eating and exercising all year long. By having a plan, making decisions about food will become less stressful, exercise will become a priority in life, and over time, this lifestyle will become second nature. Just as we have learned bad habits over the years, we can create good habits that will replace the bad ones.

Here are 8 simple tips on how to get started on your plan today:

START THE MORNING POSITIVE! Forget about what happened yesterday, what you ate, or what you didn’t do. No guilt allowed. Get up, turn on music, smile, and stretch your body.

WRITE IT DOWN! The night before, write down a plan for the following day. Prioritize, commit, and check off as you complete. Allow for flexibility – life happens.

PLAN MEALS! Don’t wing it. If you are going out for lunch, have a plan. Don’t wait until you are starving to make a decision. Choose restaurants that you are familiar with and know the menu where you can make quick, healthy choices. When shopping, make a list for each meal, including snacks.

DON’T BE OBSESSED WITH TECHNOLOGY! Put the phone down or computer away. Don’t spend so much time watching TV unless you are on a treadmill.

DON’T HAVE AN ALL OR NOTHING ATTITUDE! Learn to forge ahead in spite of obstacles and derailments in life. You can start your day over at any time.

LEARN TO SAY “NO!” The only way to be productive is not to be over-committed. You are not being selfish when you are taking care of yourself.

PLAN FOR EXERCISE! If you write down when you will exercise instead of thinking maybe I’ll fit exercise in today, it will happen. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, help with sleep, and boost mood and metabolism.

REASSESS THE DAY! Last but not least, at the end of the day make a mental reassessment of the day and grade it. Was it an A day or a C day? Determine how to make the next day better and jot it down. Get a good night’s sleep.